'Murder At The ABA' by Isaac Asimov is a murder mystery novel set at a bookseller's convention in 1975. The story follows author Darius Just as he investigates the death of his former protege, Giles Devore, believed to be a murder rather than an accident. Asimov himself is a character in the book, providing comic relief and taking potshots at the protagonist, adding a surreal element to the narrative. The plot unfolds over four days of the convention, with Just retracing Devore's final hours to uncover a motive and identify the murderer. The writing style is described as humorous, light-hearted, and engaging, with footnotes adding to the fun and entertainment of the story.

Characters:

The characters include a mix of fictional portrayals and real authors, with Darius Just being insecure and Asimov providing comic relief.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by humor and a frothy tone, incorporating metafictional elements for added entertainment.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around Darius Just solving the murder of his former protege, set against the backdrop of an annual publishing convention.

Setting:

The setting of the story is the 1975 ABA Convention, giving insight into the publishing industry during that time.

Pacing:

The pacing is quick and entertaining, though sometimes punctuated by humor that can detract from the mystery.

In the particular case in which I was involved, however, we can limit the direct causes to a specific, limited series of events, all of which had to have happened for violent death to have its chance....

Notes:

The book features Darius Just, a fictional character inspired by real-life author Harlan Ellison.

Isaac Asimov himself appears as a character in the story, adding humor and metafiction elements.

The plot revolves around a murder mystery set during the 1975 American Booksellers Association convention.

Murder at the ABA introduces a lighthearted, comedic tone rather than a serious mystery.

The inclusion of footnotes creates a humorous back-and-forth between the protagonist and Asimov.

The setting reflects the publishing industry culture of the 1970s, offering a glimpse into the era's norms.

Some readers found the mystery plot lacking depth compared to Asimov's other works.

Asimov originally wanted to create a series of these mysteries, but his publisher rejected the idea.

The book includes various real-life authors as characters, adding authenticity to the convention setting.

Readers have mixed feelings about the book, with some enjoying the humor while others prefer Asimov's science fiction.

Has Romance?

There are elements of romance, with flirtations and interactions with female characters.

From The Publisher:

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Reader Stats (7):

Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (2)

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Murder At The ABA

Isaac Asimov